The capacity to understand and predict the behaviour of groundwater is essential to many areas of engineering including: i) design and construction of foundations, ii) mining operation design and management, iii) water resource assessments and iv) contaminant transport modelling and pollution management. This course provides students with the necessary skills and knowledge in hydrogeology and groundwater modelling to allow them to effectively contribute to groundwater related projects in professional practice, including the design of bore fields and site dewatering systems, deriving solutions to water resource problems and providing information to inform environmental management and risk assessment activities. A range of different modelling approaches, from simple analytical methods to the application of dynamic physically based modelling packages, are explored. The process of model testing, calibration and sensitivity analysis are introduced along with methods for analysing and communicating simulation outputs. The course also covers aspects of data analytics and best practice in environmental modelling.
The 2024 edition of this course will follow a similar format to that used in previous years and consists of a combination of lectures and computer-based workshop session. Lectures will introduce general groundwater flow and modelling theory along with worked examples. The workshops will focus on development and testing of groundwater models, with a focus on progressive development of a groundwater model for the course’s major assessment item (groundwater modelling project). The Python based FloPy groundwater modelling software will be used in the workshop sessions and for the groundwater modelling project – providing students with modelling skills that are directly transferable to professional practice. More information on how to access and install the FloPy software on your own computer will be provided on the course Blackboard site.
It is assumed that students will have a background understanding of engineering mathematics, surface water hydrology (i.e., completion of courses such as CIVL3141 or CIVL3155 or equivalent) and basic computer programming using Python (or the ability to rapidly acquire basic Python programming capability).
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
(ENGG1001 or ENGG1200), MATH1051 and MATH1052 and CIVL2530
We recommend completing the following courses at the same time:
CIVL4170
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
CIVL4140
To book a face-to-face meeting to discuss any aspect of this course please email course coordinator to book a time (meetings on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday preferred).
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
The aim of the course is to develop knowledge, skills and experience that will allow students to directly contribute to professional engineering projects in the groundwater and related fields. The course will make extensive use of on-line modules that are based on the open source FloPy software system for the MODFLOW suite of groundwater simulation tools. The course introduces students to the settings and processes that influence groundwater flow and associated contaminant transport along with the simulation tools that enable the exploration common groundwater-related issues that are relevant to their future careers and aims to achieve the learning objectives set out below.
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Describe the physical and chemical mechanisms, processes and settings that influence groundwater flow and associated water quality, including the mathematical models that are commonly used to approximate these phenomena.
LO2.
Explain and apply the key elements of good practice for model development, testing and application in environmental water resource settings including the principles of model development, testing, sensitivity analysis, calibration and validation.
LO3.
Critically assess the suitability of different modelling approaches for a given problem, including the identification of the usefulness and limitations of different approaches in specific contexts.
LO4.
Apply a range of different models to simulate groundwater flow and contaminant transport to solve engineering problems with an appropriate level of professional competence, including the critical assessment of simulation results.
LO5.
Effectively interpret, summarise and communicate the results of an environmental modelling project, to a professional standard, in the form of a written report and an oral seminar.
LO6.
Successfully work within a team to synthesise and analyse data, develop and test various models and report that information in a clear, concise, timely and professional manner.
LO7.
Improve your ability to manage your learning, to reflect on your own learning and improve your study approach.
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Presentation | Oral Seminar Presentation | 15% |
20/09/2024 3:00 pm |
| Project |
Groundwater Modelling Project
|
45% |
25/10/2024 3:00 pm |
| Examination |
Final Exam
|
40% |
End of Semester Exam Period 2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
20/09/2024 3:00 pm
A critical review of a groundwater modelling report presented in the form of a short seminar style presentation. The review will be completed individually and uploaded as a video file to the course Blackboard site. As part of this assessment item you will also complete a review of some of the video submissions by other students.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Video file of seminar presentation to be uploaded via course Blackboard site.
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
25/10/2024 3:00 pm
Students will be provided with an overview of a particular engineering project and associated environmental monitoring data. Students will then work to develop a suitable ground water model to examine the flow system and provide estimates of flow pathways and travel times. Students will prepare a short written document detailing the development and testing of the models as well as their application to address a set of questions about the flow system. The project report will be marked by course staff and will also require self and peer assessment.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
via Blackboard
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
End of Semester Exam Period
2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024
The final exam will include a combination of multiple choice and short answer questions.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | Any calculator permitted |
| Open/closed book | Open Book examination |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
You may be able to defer this exam.
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 19.99 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Some engagement with the assessment tasks; however, no demonstrated evidence of understanding of the concepts in the field of study. |
| 2 (Fail) | 20 - 44.99 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Fails to demonstrate any relevant knowledge or understanding of the underlying concepts. Deficiencies in understanding the fundamental concepts of the field of study. Inability to identify data, cases, problems and their solutions, and implications. Presents inappropriate or unsupported arguments. Inability to apply knowledge and skills. Communicates information or ideas in ways that are frequently incomplete, confusing and not appropriate to the conventions of the discipline. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Falls short of satisfying all basic requirements for a Pass. Some knowledge of the subject is evident but the student only demonstrates a limited understanding of the underlying concepts. Superficial understanding of the fundamental concepts of the field of study. Attempts to identify data, cases, problems and their solutions, and implications. Presents undeveloped arguments. Emerging ability to apply knowledge and skills. Communicates information or ideas with limited clarity and inconsistent adherence to the conventions of the discipline. |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates a sound knowledge of the relevant information and at least an adequate understanding of the underlying concepts. Adequate knowledge of fundamental concepts of the field of study. Identifies data, cases, problems and their solutions, and implications. Develops routine arguments or decisions. Acceptable application of knowledge and skills. Uses some of the conventions of the discipline to communicate appropriately. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates a sound knowledge of the relevant information and a sound understanding of the key concepts. Good knowledge of fundamental concepts of the field of study. Considered evaluation of data, cases, problems and their solutions, and implications. Develops or adapts convincing arguments and provides coherent justification. Effective application of knowledge and skills. Uses the conventions of the discipline to communicate at an effective level. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Substantial knowledge of fundamental concepts of the field of study. Critical evaluation of data, cases, problems and their solutions, and implications. Perceptive insights in identifying, generating and synthesising competing arguments or perspectives. Extensive application of knowledge and skills. Uses the conventions of the discipline to communicate at a professional level. There is a demonstrated ability to solve previously unseen problems. There are only minor factual inaccuracies and there is little irrelevant information. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Mastery of content. Expert and critical evaluation of data, cases, problems and their solutions, and implications. Significant and sophisticated insights in identifying, generating and synthesising competing arguments or perspectives. Original, novel and/or creative application of knowledge and skills. Exploits the conventions of the discipline to communicate at an expert level. Key concepts are understood and can be used to solve previously unseen problems. There is evidence of critical analysis and an ability to synthesise information from different aspects of the subject. There are insignificant factual inaccuracies and there is limited irrelevant information. |
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 13 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial/Workshop Problem-based learning activities that focus on development and application of numerical models of groundwater flow and contaminant transport. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Lecture |
Lecture series A 13-week series of lectures that present course theory and problem-based learning activities. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course: